Natalie Sumner Lincoln

“ Potter dropped his arm from about his wife’s waist in embarrassment.
“Mr. Rodgers call upon you.” The Japanese spoke without haste. “You see him?”
“Certainly. Bring him here,” and at the words Moto vanished.
“Here?” echoed Nina. “Isn’t it a bit untidy?”
“What of it? He hasn’t come to see us,” he grumbled. “Probably thinks Kitty is here. I don’t approve of Kitty playing fast and loose with those two men.”
“What men?” Nina was not looking at her husband, and missed his keen scrutiny.
“Ted Rodgers and Leigh Wallace,” briefly. “If it goes on much longer, I will speak to Cousin Susan Baird. ”

“ The World War had rudely interrupted the “calling” days of the hostesses of Washington, but with the advent of peace a return had been made to old customs, and “teas” were again taking their accepted place in the social calendar.
“A penny for your thoughts,” said a masculine voice over her shoulder and glancing around Mrs. Parsons found Charles Craige at her elbow.
“You offer a penny too much,” laughed Mrs. Parsons. “They were idle thoughts—”
“About the idle rich.” Craig looked at her with admiration. “Upon my word, Cecilia, you grow prettier every day.” ”

“ Nina, you didn’t tell me.”
“I heard no news in particular.” Nina held a needle and thread nearer the light. “To what do you refer, Mr. Rodgers?”
“To the death of Miss Susan Baird.”
Potter sat bolt upright. His healthy color changed to a sickly white. “Cousin Susan dead? Impossible!”
“It is a fact. Mr. Craige told me—” Rodgers stooped over and picked up the needle which had slipped from Nina’s clutch. “Take care you don’t prick yourself, Mrs. Potter,” he warned, as he placed it in the palm of her hand and noticed the quick, spasmodic movement of her fingers. ”

“ I’ll say no more. But,” in self-defense, noting Rodgers’ surprise, “I’ve had no cause to love Cousin Susan— I heard her caustic remarks about my marriage. Never mind that now,” with a quick glance at his wife. “Go ahead, Ted, tell us of what Cousin Susan died.”
“The coroner will have to answer that question, Ben.”
“The coroner!” Potter rose to his feet and stared at his guest. “What d’ye mean? Oh, hurry your speech, man; don’t keep us in suspense,” as Rodgers hesitated and eyed Mrs. Potter in some trepidation. Judging from her sudden loss of color, she was about to faint. ”

“ And every one is lingering,” glancing down the room. “That is a sure sign that they are enjoying themselves.”
“Except Major Wallace.” Mrs. Parsons drew his attention to a man worming his way between the groups of people. “He appears to avoid his friends—there, he has cut Nina Potter dead.” ”

“ Wallace explained, and he made no effort to conceal the indifference of his tone. “I don’t feel very fit this afternoon, so you must excuse me. Good evening, Craige,” and he turned abruptly and left them.
“Of all uncivil people!” observed Mrs. ”